The Straits Times - March 31, 2025
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In this issue
March 31, 2025
Indonesia Minister under rising pressure
Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati is facing rising pressure after the economy was shaken by a series of problems, five months into President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
1 min
PAP's slate of new faces shapes up with 30 likely names; more women in the mix
The PAP's latest crop of candidates could be its youngest since the 2011 election, with more women in the mix.
5 mins
Scramble for aid as Myanmar quake death toll hits 1,700
Hospitals are overwhelmed; residents in affected areas say there has been little help
4 mins
More Free Workshops, Performances Under Expanded Arts Scheme From April
Audiences can enjoy a wider range of art forms in more locations, says DPM Gan
2 mins
Close to $1m raised for Gaza aid during Ramadan: Masagos
Close to $1 million has been collected in an ongoing fund-raising campaign for humanitarian relief in Gaza, as contributions flowed in from the Malay/Muslim community and other Singaporeans throughout the month of Ramadan, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli.
1 min
S'poreans in Myanmar recount earthquake ordeal
Some recall feeling light-headed, as they fled with colleagues and family in fear
2 mins
Malaysia sends rescue team, pledges $3 million in humanitarian aid
Malaysia deployed a rescue team of 50 personnel to quake-stricken Myanmar on March 30. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also pledged RM10 million (S$3.04 million) in humanitarian aid. A humanitarian mission, led by Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, will be dispatched to Myanmar.
2 mins
SCDF Helps Save Man Trapped Under Rubble in 8-Hour Op in Naypyitaw
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), in Myanmar to aid search-and-rescue efforts following the massive earthquake that struck the country on March 28, helped rescue a man trapped under a collapsed three-storey building on March 30.
1 min
S'pore Red Cross appeals for donations to support relief efforts
The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has launched an appeal for donations to support relief and recovery operations in Myanmar and Thailand, after an earthquake on March 28 left more than a thousand people dead, injured or missing in both countries.
1 min
Singapore gives $150k to support Red Cross drive for quake-hit Myanmar, Thailand
Singapore will contribute $150,000 as seed money to support the Singapore Red Cross' (SRC) fund-raising efforts for Myanmar and Thailand, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on March 30, after a massive earthquake rocked both countries.
1 min
Singapore Democratic Party to contest in constituency
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has said it will contest in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC at the upcoming general election.
2 mins
More help on the way for women who want to return to work
More help is on the way for women in Punggol who want to return to work, including finding them a workplace closer to home and getting jobs with firms that offer flexible work arrangements.
2 mins
New PAP faces may be formally introduced soon
Potential candidates have been out in force with sitting MPs meeting residents
3 mins
Potential PAP Candidate Unveiled for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC
Business development director is long-time volunteer in next-door East Coast GRC
3 mins
Sengkang Potential PAP team working 'with passion' to win over residents
A new, younger slate of potential candidates from the PAP has been working the ground hard in Sengkang GRC from as early as 2022, when Covid-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, said former senior minister of state Lam Pin Min.
3 mins
Chua Chu Kang PSP team meets Keat Hong residents with an eye on contesting GRC
Three members of the opposition Progress Singapore Party went door to door meeting residents in Keat Hong on March 30, further staking a claim to contest Chua Chu Kang GRC in the coming polls.
2 mins
US reassures Asian security allies, hails 'iron-clad' alliances
Hegseth calls Tokyo, Manila vital partners, but bypasses Seoul on maiden regional tour
5 mins
China, South Korea and Japan agree to pursue free trade deal
South Korea, China and Japan held their first economic dialogue in five years on March 30, seeking to facilitate regional trade as the three Asian export powers brace themselves for US President Donald Trump's tariffs.
1 min
Pressure mounts on Indonesia's finance minister
Sliding rupiah, falling tax collection hurting President Prabowo's economic ambitions
4 mins
China's Restaurants in Race to the Bottom as Economy Slows
In a dilapidated warehouse on the outskirts of the Chinese capital, businessman An Dawei inspects rows of giant fridges, industrial hobs and commercial bread ovens waiting to be resold to dining establishments.
2 mins
US, China Raise the Stakes in Panama Canal Row
Beijing says antitrust regulators will review deal after US-led group buys ports
3 mins
US V-P Vance's Greenland comments raise Danish hackles
Remarks citing lack of investment in the territory inaccurate, says Prime Minister
3 mins
Albanese expects 'one-on-one' discussion with Trump on tariffs
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on March 30 that he expects to have a one-on-one discussion with US President Donald Trump on tariffs, as Washington prepares to announce new tariffs on its trading partners on April 2.
1 min
Trump says he 'couldn't care less' if carmakers raise prices
US President Donald Trump said he \"couldn't care less\" if carmakers raise prices in response to the planned tariffs on imported vehicles.
1 min
India, US Progressing Towards Trade Deal: Officials
Indian and US officials discussed trade issues, including the reduction of tariffs and easing of non-tariff barriers, making progress towards a bilateral trade agreement during several days of talks in New Delhi, they said on March 29.
1 min
Ukraine Calls On Allies To Respond To Russia Attacks
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 29 that Ukraine expected a strong response from Western countries to the nearly daily Russian drone attacks on its territory.
1 min
Netanyahu Vows to Step Up Military Pressure on Hamas
Militant group agrees to ceasefire proposal but rejects Israel's demand for it to disarm
2 mins
More Transparency, Updates Needed to Reassure Parents of Bullied Students
Common thread in recent school incidents is a call for answers in a timely manner
4 mins
HSA's Novel Forensics Approach Exposes Doctored Documents
To the untrained eye, the document looked like it was created before 2015 and appeared to show a series of industrial designs made and dated before that year.
3 mins
NUS medical school took in record number of female students in 2024
They make up 60% of cohort; school says this remains consistent with recent trend
4 mins
How SAF's Digital and Intelligence Service revamp boosts cyber security
On March 18, the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) officially launched two new commands as part of its growth amid a rapidly evolving digital and cyber-security landscape.
4 mins
'He went into his shell' Mum gets help from new service for reclusive adults and their parents
Her son shuts himself in room after graduation, sleeping or going online
5 mins
Most unagi products sold in S'pore contain endangered eels: Study
Pick out an unagi dish at a local restaurant or supermarket, and chances are it contains an endangered eel.
4 mins
Beyond bees and butterflies: Why S-E Asia must boost insect conservation
Shift focus beyond just charismatic animals to safeguard region's biodiversity
4 mins
Companies practising steward leadership called to step forward
Annual awards celebrate positive social, environmental impacts in Asia-Pac
1 min
Dealing with loss from leaving well-loved colleagues
In this series, manpower correspondent Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up for The Straits Times' Headstart newsletter.
2 mins
DFI Retail shares pop on news of sale of Giant and Cold Storage
Surge in stock price helps the benchmark STI hit a record high during the week
4 mins
S'pore firms in Myanmar, Thailand say staff are safe
Yoma Strategic Holdings and F&N confirm facilities, businesses had little or no damage
2 mins
Sembcorp Industries' Mandalay plant loses power after quake
A power plant in Myanmar built and operated by Singapore's Sembcorp Industries has experienced a power trip because of grid failure following an earthquake that hit the country on March 28.
1 min
Frasers Property 'closely monitoring' aftermath of quake, impact on Thailand
Singapore-listed Frasers Property, which owns and operates hospitality and commercial assets in Bangkok and recently opened a mega mixed development in the Thai capital, is \"closely monitoring the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar and its impact on Thailand\", the group said on March 29.
1 min
Singapore Takes Lead in Training Seafarers to Handle Greener Fuels
Alternative fuels like methanol are friendlier to the environment but can be deadly to humans and marine life
5 mins
Why Southern India Is Rallying Around a Battle Over Population and Power
A looming delimitation exercise is focusing minds on how the south might end up with less say in federal politics despite being the country's growth engine.
7 mins
Trump's 25 Percent Tariff Hands the Car Industry Keys to China
We are now looking at a future where Beijing rules the road.
3 mins
Do Something-itis' Won't Fix Crisis Among Boys Shown in Adolescence
The issues identified in the hit Netflix series are every parent's nightmare. But they defy the simple technocratic solutions society reflexively demands.
6 mins
Obsessed with Greenland? You, too, may have the wrong map
How maps are drawn can shape the world views of leaders — and the arc of history.
4 mins
Why People Do Things That Are Unpleasantly Hard
That is the surprising route to the best life possible.
9 mins
Maritime history • Mural not meant to give definitive timeline
We thank Mr Kuet Ee Yoon for pointing out the inaccuracy in the mural in the pedestrian underpass next to Parliament House (Mural should reflect Singapore's maritime heritage more accurately, March 24).
1 min
What's needed is a forward-looking Parliament with highest standards
I agree with deputy opinion editor Bhavan Jaipragas on the need to keep our politics clean and above board (Keeping fear and loathing out of Singapore's politics, March 27).
1 min
Ingredients Labelling required for health, beauty supplements
We thank Forum writer Huang Kangrui for the feedback (Complete ingredients list needed on health and beauty products, March 14).
1 min
Voices of Youth CCAs • Level the playing field for all
Schools nurture students, providing a welcoming environment where we can grow into multi-talented and purposeful beings.
1 min
Defence • Good reasons why NSmen serve with conviction
I refer to the Forum letter \"Could NSmen's mental resilience be a weak link?\" (March 25), and would like to share my perspectives as an NSman.
1 min
Gimmie's Countess looks a cut above
March 31 South Africa (Greyville) form analysis
2 mins
Ka Ying Rising Unrivalled In Sprint Cup Win
Straight Arron hands Poon first Group 2 win in other HK feature, Chairman's Trophy
3 mins
'Quad god' Malinin retains world figure skating crown
With a record-equalling six quadruple jumps and an audacious backflip, United States figure skater Ilia Malinin captured his second straight world championships title in Boston on March 29.
4 mins
Vu shrugs off double-bogey to lead final day at Ford
Lilia Vu overcame a double-bogey and two other bogeys to shoot a four-under 68 on March 29 and maintain a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the Ford Championship.
2 mins
Suns To Rise For Play-In Spot
Durant vows to 'figure it out' as 11th-placed Phoenix prepare to face in-form Houston
3 mins
Victorious Moreno calls for shot in September
Former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno erased a stigma from his last Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Mexico outing, winning a unanimous decision against Steve Erceg in a flyweight title eliminator bout in the UFC Fight Night main event on March 28.
2 mins
Calm, Cool Sabalenka Collects Title
World No. 1 tempers her temper to claim Miami Open, looks forward to French Open
3 mins
Burton goes from coma to 'dream debut'
England's Abi Burton capped a \"dream\" Test debut by coming off the bench to score two tries as England hammered Wales in the Women's Six Nations on March 29, three years after spending 25 days in a coma while battling encephalitis.
2 mins
PSG Need Just a Point for Fourth Straight Title
Unbeaten Paris Saint-Germain moved within touching distance of the Ligue 1 title with a 6-1 win away to second-from-bottom Saint-Etienne on March 29, boosted by a double from Desire Doue.
2 mins
Kane impressed by Tuchel but Redknapp less so
Harry Kane said on March 29 that new England manager Thomas Tuchel had already made \"good steps on and off the pitch\" that could help the Three Lions win the World Cup in 2026.
2 mins
Trophies Matter More, Says Mbappe
Frenchman gets advice from Ronaldo after tying his idol's 33 goals in first Real season
3 mins
'Huge moment' as Forest in Cup semis after shoot-out
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo said it was a big moment for the club to reach their first FA Cup semi-finals in 34 years after they beat fellow English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on penalties on March 29.
2 mins
'Mind-blowing' Magpies mark end of 70-year domestic cup drought
Newcastle in northeast England was a sea of black and white on March 29 as 150,000 fans lined the city's streets to celebrate the Magpies' League Cup success with an open-top bus parade.
2 mins
Rashford At The Double In Villa Win
Forward ends four-month goal drought as Villans reach first FA Cup semis in 10 years
3 mins
Twice the Joy in Asia Cup for Gangurrus
Called up in mid-March, Aussie Stith pivotal in fifth 3x3 crown; women claim fourth title
3 mins
Mother-daughter's bonding time at basketball event
Jaynie Ong's passion for basketball has grown over the past two years since she picked up the sport as a co-curricular activity.
2 mins
Mum & Dad, Stop Hovering
Helicopter parents may be worried their children might not thrive, but experts say it can deprive kids of chances to learn key life skills
5 mins
Crossing the great divide from Primary 1 into Primary 2
Things are very different in Primary 2, as mathematics gets hard and friendships get fraught
4 mins
Fate Reunited Thavanesan Sivananthan and Lost Pet Parrot
Berri was missing for months, despite the actor offering a $500 reward
3 mins
Cat hotels in high demand as Eid approaches in Jakarta
The cats are playing in the playground at Arnamir Hotel Kucing & Spa in south Jakarta.
2 mins
Vet Talk Should pet owners in Singapore worry about rabies?
Rabies might seem like a distant threat to Singaporeans, but the numbers tell a concerning story.
3 mins
On The White Lotus, actor Patrick Schwarzenegger gets rich quick
On the set of the third season of the hit dark comedy drama series The White Lotus, which shot for seven sticky months in luxury hotels in Bangkok and Koh Samui, Thailand, American writer-director Mike White had a repeated note for American actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
3 mins
George Lewis strikes comedy gold imagining two toddlers chatting
A few years ago, George Lewis was driving back from performing in a comedy club when he realised he had to change his life.
3 mins
Actress Jennifer Tilly Is in on the joke
The American-Canadian has a knack for embodying characters who somehow stand above or outside themselves
4 mins
Art week in Hong Kong Strong showing by Singapore artists
Ho Tzu Nyen, Charmaine Poh and over 10 Singapore galleries storm the event, putting on thrilling works and displays
3 mins
A thrilling evening of Brahms and Shostakovich
This programme began with the majestic sunset of Johannes Brahms' second piano concerto and concluded with the night terrors of Dmitri Shostakovich's fifth symphony, delivered with power and thrilling playing by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and guest conductor Wong Kah Chun.
2 mins
Actor Shaun Chen's father killed in hit-and-run in Malaysia
Malaysian actor Shaun Chen has returned to the country after his father was killed in a hit-and-run accident on March 28.
1 min
Film stars blast Oscars Academy for 'failing to defend' Palestinian film-maker
Movie stars including Joaquin Phoenix, Penelope Cruz and Richard Gere have blasted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for failing to defend an Oscar-winning Palestinian film-maker, who said he was attacked by Israeli settlers.
1 min
Legend Of Zelda film slated for 2027
A live-action film based on Nintendo's Legend Of Zelda game series will hit big screens around the world on March 26, 2027, the Japanese gaming giant said on March 28.
1 min
E.T. model on auction block in New York, could fetch $1.2 million
An original animatronic model of the iconic alien created for Steven Spielberg's classic 1982 film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is for sale at Sotheby's and is estimated to fetch as much as US$900,000 (S$1.2 million).
1 min
Medical K-drama Resident Playbook Faces Backlash Before Release Due to Doctors' Strike
The K-drama Resident Playbook, a much-anticipated spin-off of the popular Hospital Playlist series (2020 to 2021), is finally set to air in April.
1 min
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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